The story brought new attention to the world of kink that’s often known as BDSM — standing for variations of bondage, dominance, submission and masochism. The practice — though still a taboo topic in some respects — has made incursions into the cultural mainstream in recent years, in part because of the popularity of the “Fifty Shades of Grey” novels and films.

However, some of Schneiderman’s critics noted that “Fifty Shades” hero Christian Grey meticulously negotiates a contract with Anastasia Steele before she agrees to submit to his demands.

A Seattle dominatrix named Mistress Matisse called any non-negotiated encounter “ABUSE. End of story.” Others expressed hope that it would increase public understanding of BDSM and help highlight the distinction between its traditions and non-consensual violence.

It is unconscionable. Kink and abuse are very different things. He is not a welcome part of our community. https://t.co/QP7Um34jm7

Disgraced ex AG Schneiderman will try to couch his abuse as sex play. Don't buy it. As a former pro BDSM practicioner, I can say that NONE of the reported incidents bear any resemblence to safe, consensual BDSM play. He'd have been banned from any kink community for his behavior.